The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health

On this episode of The Penis Project I chat with Brook, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the young age of 47. Having experienced zero symptoms, Brook’s decision to get tested was prompted by his brother's own diagnosis just a year prior, at the age of 44.  Following his surgery, Brook experienced a remarkable recovery (I’m talking the return of erections while his catheter was still inser...

Injury and Penile Health    What would you do if, at 17, you had an accident that affected your sexual function?     Today, Reece will answer that question and share with us his story.     At 17 years old, Reece had a work accident that changed his life and sexual function forever. That was 12 years ago, and Reece is now 29.     Listen as he shares what happened that time at work, to his recovery...

Hear it from Sarah and her THERMIVa experience    If your partner is experiencing painful sex even while using a lubricant, THERMIva might be the answer.    Our guest today, Sarah, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36. Part of her treatment required her to be put into menopause early… that means hot flushes that come on hard and fast, loss of hair, and being dry down there.       So, four mo...

How far has science progressed with treating HIV? Quite far and Ryan will share all the details.   Today’s episode will give you a peak into Ryan’s life - from his HIV diagnosis, to breaking the news to his family, to recovering from work discrimination, and to conquering life. Cliché as it may sound but Ryan did make lemonades from lemons.    As you listen to this episode, we hope it gives you a...

Today, we speak with Liam Sorrell, the founder/director of Grit and Gratitude, and also the chair of Australian Dad’s Network.     Both of these organisations have one goal in common, mental health and community.     Grit and Gratitude seeks to provide mental health services for individuals. Whilst the Australian Dad’s Network is for dads of Australia, to help them be the best man, dad, and husban...

  Jason was diagnosed with bone cancer in November last year, at the age of 34.     First thought to be caused by baby hernia, the massive pain in Jason’s groin was actually due to a large lump over his pelvic bone that was protruding inwards. After a visit to a radiologist who referred him to a doctor and a series of MRI scans and biopsies, Jason received news he never expected.     Much the same...

So, any regular listener of The Penis Project will know I am always ‘banging’ on about how important nocturnal erections are to penile health. Until now, trying to ascertain whether a man is having this all-important exercise was a guessing game but there is an invention that enables you to objectively test this at home. The bonus is it doubles as a cock ring!   This ring is quite amazing , not on...

Meet Mike and Samantha, they contacted The Penis Project as they were keen to share their story, which is one of love, connection and romance.  Samantha and Mike had been married for 45 years. And through it all, have enjoyed a very healthy and active sex life. This halted when they both got diagnosed with cancer - endometrial for Samantha and prostate for Mike.    Mike was very open with his doct...

We’re celebrating Valentines Day this June with our guests Harry and Meghan, a couple with a 37-year marriage and counting.   Harry, who had previously battled testicular cancer 20 years ago, now faced a new obstacle at the age of 59. His diagnoses of both prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were revealed on the same day. Despite the daunting circumstances, Harry and Meghan supported each o...

Today, we talk with Pierre.   In 2017, Pierre attended a conference in South Africa where he had the opportunity to meet Dr. Jo. The talk delivered by Dr. Jo left a lasting impression on Pierre, inspiring him to focus his efforts on studying physiology and men's health. This decision was deeply personal for Pierre, as his father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Motivated by this experience...

Brian had his prostate surgery in September 2021 and his recovery went pretty smoothly. He only needed to wear pads for a couple of weeks. Surprisingly, he decided to try his first injection less than four weeks after the surgery. The sight of the tools was frightful, but hey, the results were pretty, pretty, good! The only downside was feeling a bit uncomfortable while driving on the freeway.  Co...

Today, we speak with Phoenix, a 54-year-old man, who underwent surgery for prostate cancer in July 2022.   Over a period of three years, Phoenix monitored his PSA levels, until one test showed an elevated result and him experiencing difficulty passing urine. Subsequent tests were conducted, including an MRI and biopsy to confirm diagnosis.  Continence was an issue for Phoenix after surgery. He als...

  "I hoped I gave you guys the gift of life. Cause unfortunately it’s not gonna work my way. So, it’s up to you guys to get checked regularly and stay in tune".    This was Rod’s message from his dad which he religiously heeded after his father’s passing.   It’s also a lesson he keeps sharing with every guy he meets. Go get checked.   He’s been doing this for more than 15 years. And now, he’s here...

If you’re looking to lose weight and have been finding it difficult, this might just be the podcast for you. In just two months, our guest for today lost 9 kgs. ;)     Meet Paul. We also have our guest host, Kendall.   Paul was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer last April 2022.   After bum checks, MRI, and a biopsy - his results were in and you guessed it he had prostate cancer.  Paul is not aware of...

  For today’s episode, we have Joe. Joe was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer before his daughter’s wedding. A difficult decision had to be made whether to have his surgery before or after the event. But due to possible Covid restrictions, Joe ultimately chose to have his operation prior. And that he did. Successfully. Despite the operation, he was able to walk his daughter to the altar. From Joe’s p...

For this episode, get to hear Melissa as she presents her talk on sexual dysfunction, patient perceptions, and more to health practitioners - another step taken to help bridge the gap for Men’s Health.   This is the last of the series of Melissa’s Talks. So stay tuned for regular programming next week!   To fully enjoy the presentation, feel free to watch the video here. https://youtu.be/OzBXdeWVW...

  For this episode, get to hear Melissa’s Plenty Valley FM radio interview - a station all the way from Melbourne. This just shows how The Penis Project is reaching men. So thank you to everyone who is spreading the word and sharing information so we can continue bridging the gap in men’s health care. Enjoy listening! ---------- Websites: https://melissahadleybarrett.com    Men’s health only https...

  Last March, Melissa and Dr Jo were invited to speak at a conference in New Zealand. And… you’ll be able to listen to one of those talks, today! For this episode, you’ll get to know more about what Melissa and Dr Jo are doing for Men’s health and how they close, bridge, or fill the gap in Men’s Health. Most especially, how The Penis Project podcast came to be. Have fun listening! And if you’re in...

It’s the Easter Week and we’d love for you to enjoy this poem as you take a break. ;)     This poem is written by Steve Jones, entitled Lonely Nights.   Enjoy!     For anyone who would like to share their poems and want us to read it for you, we are up for it! ;)     Have a great Easter week to those celebrating.   ---------- Websites: https://melissahadleybarrett.com    Men’s health only https://...

  Get ready for a sultry, pleasurable episode with our guest Julia.   For today’s episode, we speak with Julia. Julia is the author of the book entitled The Healing Power of Pleasure, Seven Medicines for Rediscovering the Innate Joy of Being. This book is a step-by-step guide to creating a happier, more sensual, and conscious life for you.   What you’ll be listening today will be quite extraordina...

  For today’s episode, we’ll hear back from Steve - the poet who didn’t know it.   Our previous episode with Steve was about his poems, now, we brought him back to hear about what he did to his penis post-op.   Did he use pills? Pumps? Or penile injections?   Well, he used all three! All powered by his guts and his desire to recover.   You see, Steve, isn’t a patient of Melissa nor Dr Jo’s but thr...

  It’s difficult to have issues down there when you’re older but it’s more difficult when you’re younger! If you remember being a teenager or if you are one you will know how hard (or not it is).   For today’s episode, we have Pele, a young man who was so brave enough to seek help when things weren’t going good down there.   Pele is the youngest interviewee we have had on the podcast and we’re ext...

  Today, we talk with Steve, the poet who didn’t know it.   Steve is one of our listeners who volunteered to be one of our guests. He found the podcast a very helpful resource for his recovery. From prostate cancer.  Like some of you who listen to the podcast, Steve was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at 56 years old. He also had a family history, given that his father and brother had the same diag...

  Today, we speak with Ross. Ross will talk about his prostate cancer journey and a marathon he will be joining in London, at 64 years old!   Ross was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2020. This was two years after a routine check-up in 2018 showed elevated PSA readings. At first, Ross procrastinated taking action as everything he read about prostate cancer was all gloom and doom. After a lesson...

Todd, our guest for today is all the way from the USA, thanks to the wonder of Zoom. He is a patient of Melissa’s and was very kind enough to share with us a glimpse of his experience from diagnosis to recovery. Get ready for a full dose of honesty and vulnerability.   Todd’s father had prostate cancer and as such his brothers and him have always been checked regularly. Once he got the diagnosis,...